Leicester police seek return of Purple Heart stolen in home invasion

LEICESTER — Armed invaders who tied up three occupants of a home Sunday off Route 9 in Cherry Valley stole a Purple Heart medal that belonged to the father of one of the victims.

Police released more information Wednesday about the home invasion, including a sketch of one suspect and a description of another, and the offer of a reward.

Police said a $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible.

Three people were tied up after two men, one of whom had a gun, entered a home on a side street off Route 9 in Cherry Valley around 10 p.m., tied up three occupants with plastic wrist ties, and duct-taped their mouths. They stole numerous items, including cash and jewelry, and may have been aided by a third person driving a vehicle that was heard leaving the area immediately after the suspects fled the home.

One of the stolen items was a Purple Heart given to the father of one of the victims. He received the medal for his service in the Marine Corps during World War II. Police said the victim's late father fought on the Pacific island of Iwo Jima.

Police described one of the suspects as a Hispanic or light-skinned black man, around 5 feet, 7 inches tall and heavyset, with dreadlocks, a full, scruffy beard with a moustache, and a Cincinnati Reds baseball hat.

The second suspect was described as a white man, around 6 feet 3 inches tall, with a muscular build. He was dressed in all black, and wore a mask, police said.

Police said the residents were able to free themselves and called police; there were no injuries. Police did not further specify the address of the home invasion or detail the items stolen. Police said they believe the homeowners were specifically targeted.

Police said anyone with information on the home invasion can call the police crime tip line at (508) 892-7010, option 7.

Police also said the Purple Heart can be mailed to the Leicester Police Department, 90 South Main St, Leicester, MA 01524, or the police will pick it up at any reasonable location, no questions asked.